As someone who went on a semester abroad to the south of France and stayed for many, many more years than originally planned, I’m loyal to the French Riviera. But there’s nothing quite like a trip to Paris and staying at a Paris hotel, no matter how beautiful the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps may be.
Paris is a special place and so worth a multi-night stay at a hotel. It’s a city breathtakingly romantic, exciting, relaxing, historic, and modern all at once. Mega-attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Champs-Élysées only scratch the surface of the fun, heritage, and culture of Paris.
You could spend 24 hours or 24 days in Paris and still experience its allure. Where you stay is important – the city is large, it has a ton of accommodation options, and not all of them are great choices. Make sure you stay in one of the best hotels in Paris by reviewing our list and tips below.
We’re putting choices for visiting Disneyland Paris and Versailles at the end of the list because they aren’t quite in Paris, but represent two of the best things to do in the capital region. Read our review of them in more detail to know how to fit them into your trip.
The Top 10 Hotels in Paris in 2025
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1
Most Luxurious: Four Seasons Hotel George V -
2
Best Views (of the Eiffel Tower & River Seine): Shangri-La Paris -
3
Most Relaxing: Cheval Blanc Paris -
4
Best for Central Location: The Westin Paris Vendôme -
5
Best for Food & Gastronomy: Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet’s -
6
Best for Families: Le Prince Regent Residence & Spa -
7
Best for Nightlife: Hôtel Villathena -
8
Most Budget-Friendly: Hôtel Paradis -
9
Best for Disneyland Paris: Marriott’s Village d’Ile de France -
10
Best for Versailles: Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace
All the Hotels in Paris We Reviewed:
What’s Special About This Resort
The Four Seasons always gets it right, and the George V (say: “the George Cinq”) is the best of the best in Paris. In fact, I used to work at a Four Seasons resort, and I can confirm that the Paris property has a reputation for being among the best in the world.
It occupies an ornate, historic building just off the Champs-Élysées, ideally located blocks away from landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. The three restaurants count five Michelin stars between them.
A peaceful spa, indoor pool, and elegant courtyard transport you far from the busy city streets despite being among the center of them. There aren’t many better Paris hotels to return to after a day of sightseeing if you’re looking for the best of luxury.
Things we like:
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Larger than average suite-style rooms
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Views of the Eiffel Tower
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Walking distance to some of the best landmarks, museums, shopping, and dining in Paris
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Highly acclaimed dining is on-property, as evidenced by five Michelin stars between them all
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Staff will always go above and beyond
Things we don't like:
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Extremely expensive in terms of rates, restaurants, and anything else while you’re there
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No loyalty program at Four Seasons
What’s Special About This Resort
Whether it’s your first trip to Paris or not, seeing the majestic Eiffel Tower is a thrill – and the best place to stay for that million-dollar view is Shangri-La Paris. It sits just across the river from the monument, putting most of its 100 rooms in direct sight of the water and the tower.
It’s not just the view, though. This building was the former home of Prince Roland Bonaparte, and it has the distinction of being both a Palace and a Historic Monument. The signature Asian hospitality of Shangri-La combined with elegance, Michelin-star dining, a world-class spa, and a great location make this a special hotel whether you care about the views or not.
Things we like:
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Steps away from Trocadéro and the Eiffel Tower; hence the great views
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Being a former home of royalty and now run by Shangri-La, guests should feel confident they’ll get a luxury experience
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The only Michelin-star Chinese restaurant in France
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Excellent spa and pool facilities
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Bar/lounge dining options besides the fine dining experiences
Things we don't like:
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Breakfast could be better, given the caliber of this hotel
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Due to the great location, this area may get noisy and busy
What’s Special About This Resort
You don’t have to escape to the countryside for wellness and relaxation, as Cheval Blanc Paris is about as central as it gets in the city. But you’d never know it. The Dior Spa is an unrivaled oasis that even exceeds the quality of the luxury fashion brand behind it.
There are six ultra-luxe treatment suites for skincare, sensory journeys, tailor-made massages, and more. All hotel guests are welcome to use the hammams, saunas, and snow showers, as well as the large, curved infinity pool surrounded by mosaics and oversized daybeds.
Luxurious rooms, dining, and other resort experiences make this an all-around amazing choice for relaxing accommodation in Paris. And while it may be tempting to remain for your entire stay, the hotel’s location just in front of Pont Neuf makes that difficult, as attractions like Notre Dame Cathedral and The Louvre are minutes away.
Things we like:
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The best wellness resort experience in Paris with amazing pool and relaxation amenities
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Spa is done by Dior and takes treatments and products to the next level
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Stunning, ultra-luxe guest rooms overlooking the Seine, Pont Neuf, and other landmarks
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Fantastic location at the heart of one of Paris’ best areas
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Highly acclaimed dining and drinking, including a three Michelin-star restaurant
Things we don't like:
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Hyper-central location can be a bit busy and loud at times
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Very expensive and no loyalty program among the company’s handful of hotels
What’s Special About This Resort
The first hotel I ever stayed at in France was The Westin Paris Vendôme, which I chose for its combination of fine amenities and an ideal location.
Two blocks from the Place Vendôme, it sits directly in front of the Jardin des Tuileries, which leads directly to The Louvre, the Seine, and crossings to the Musée d’Orsay. A few extra minutes on foot brings you to the Place de la Concorde, which turns into the Champs-Élysées and then the Arc de Triomphe.
Needless to say, there will be no shortage of things to do or see around the hotel, and there are many more within walking distance or a short métro ride away. Westin’s fine hospitality and luxury combine perfectly with European elegance to create an all-around great choice for travelers, whether it’s your first or hundredth time.
Things we like:
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Location, location, location: within walking distance of almost all main Paris attractions
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Historic building that was used for guests of the Exposition Universelle for which the Eiffel Tower was built
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Westin Heavenly Beds and wellness amenities combine the brand’s familiar luxury with local heritage in rooms
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Great staff that don’t allow the hotel’s large size to overwhelm their service
Things we don't like:
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Limited dining options, with one restaurant and one bar
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Although historic and charming, the hotel could use better maintenance and upkeep to remain luxurious
What’s Special About This Resort
Barrière is a well-known luxury hotel and casino brand in France, and its Paris property is often just called “Fouquet’s Paris”. It sits on the corner of Avenue George V and the Champs-Elysées, and many rooms directly overlook the famous street, with the Arc de Triomphe standing just blocks away.
While we’ve seen some pretty good dining on our list, this place takes the prize for both the quality and variety guests have access to, both on-site and nearby. Fouquet’s Brasserie is one of the most famous in the city, with visitors coming from all over to sit under its iconic red awnings.
Walk a few doors down to the Four Seasons Hotel George V if you’re looking for a Michelin-star meal, as they’ve got five of them. For dessert, take a box of macarons or other pastries from Ladurée or Pierre Hermé, both just steps from your room – in fact, try both, and weigh into the debate on which is superior.
Things we like:
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Home to Le Fouquet’s, possibly the most famous brasserie in Paris
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Le Joy has all kinds of dining, from high-end holiday meals to afternoon tea to nighttime DJ dinners
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Walking distance to Michelin-star restaurants and famous pastry shops
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One of the most popular casinos in Paris on-property (but note it’s across the street)
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Great location on the Champs-Élysées for shopping and sightseeing
Things we don't like:
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Due to their fame, restaurants can get busy with outside guests
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Not everyone has great things to say about the staff and service here
What’s Special About This Resort
Le Prince Regent Residence & Spa is an excellent choice for families thanks to its combination of spacious, residence-style rooms, its upscale atmosphere and amenities, and its great location – all at a great price.
It’s in the quieter Odéon neighborhood a block from the Luxembourg Gardens, putting it within walking distance of many attractions on the left bank. A quick métro ride should get you anywhere else. Rooms range in size from studio to three-bedroom-duplex, and each is fully equipped with kitchens and lots of space.
This is an ideal solution for families or groups who don’t want multiple hotel rooms and who may want to save even more money by cooking. There is no on-site restaurant, but you aren’t more than a few steps away from local places to dine at or order delivery from.
Things we like:
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Residence-style suites are large and fully equipped for longer or self-catering stays
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Breakfast can be delivered to your room, even without a restaurant on property
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Convenient location in a quieter part of the left bank
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Price point is very fair for what you get; great way for families or groups to save money
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Spa and indoor pool in the building
Things we don't like:
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No on-site dining (besides breakfast delivery in the morning)
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Pool and relaxation area require a fee to use
What’s Special About This Resort
Nightlife in Paris doesn’t have a reputation like Ibiza or Mykonos, but those who know where to look can find a roaring scene after dark. Venues are scattered around the city, but there’s a concentration of some of the best in and around the 9th arrondissement, Clichy, and Montmartre – putting Hôtel Villathena in an ideal spot to reach them.
This budget-friendly hotel may be simple, but it has everything you need for a clean and comfortable night’s (or day’s) sleep. Being next to the Saint-Lazare train station is a plus for transport, but you can walk to most of the big clubs of the area: Rex Club, Le Carmen, La Machine du Moulin Rouge, and Moulin Rouge itself. The savings of not staying in one of the city’s luxury hotels add more money to the partying and sightseeing funds.
Things we like:
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Convenient location for trains, metros, and walking around the city
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In an area with some of Paris’ best nightlife, making it possible to walk or take a cheap Uber to bars and clubs
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Budget-friendly price point that doesn’t sacrifice quality
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Guests get 50% off daily parking at a nearby garage
Things we don't like:
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No on-site dining besides breakfast every morning
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No premium rooms or suites for larger groups or those who want to upgrade their stay
What’s Special About This Resort
As we’ve seen so far, Paris hotels are generally not cheap, and you usually don’t want to pick the ones that are. Hôtel Paradis is one of the few exceptions, where you can find clean, bright, and modern accommodations for a really good price.
Rooms aren’t particularly large, and there is no restaurant, but wouldn’t you rather be spending your time and meals around the City of Lights anyway?
Exploring on foot from this spot in the 10th arrondissement will bring you through the scenic streets of Paris before reaching the major tourist hotspots. The major train hubs of Gare de l’Est and Gare du Nord are a 10-minute walk away, making it easy to go further – including to London on the Eurostar from the latter. A quiet, comfortable bedroom and bathroom are ready to recharge your batteries each night for the next day.
Things we like:
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Great price point, including rates that drop below 100 Euros per night in some seasons
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No sacrificing quality for savings
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Quick access to stations of Gare de l’Est and Gare du Nord; major attractions are walkable as well
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Hotel is pet-friendly
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Lobby lounge with coffee and tea for socializing or working
Things we don't like:
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No on-site dining (besides breakfast) or entertainment
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Rooms are some of the smallest we’ve seen
What’s Special About This Resort
Disney fanatics will not pass up the chance to visit the Paris parks, even if they aren’t quite in Paris. But the small town of Marne-la-Vallée is close enough, as it’s just about 40 minutes east of the city.
If you’re spending more than a day at Disneyland, it’s usually better to stay over here, and Marriott’s Village d’Ile de France is our top choice. This is a Marriott Vacation Club property, meaning they are timeshare units rented as hotel rooms, which is great for families. Full kitchens, an on-site shoppette, and in-unit laundry are bonuses with this type of hotel.
There’s free parking and a free shuttle to Disneyland, which makes reaching the parks easy. The train station there can also take you to the sights of Paris in under an hour. The meticulously designed village-like layout of the hotel makes the whole experience Disney-esque, allowing you to bring the magic back at night.
Things we like:
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Cheaper than the actual Disney resorts, but just as convenient with free parking and free park shuttles
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Timeshare units have multiple bedrooms, kitchens, and laundry
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Awesome outdoor pool area for summertime and smaller indoor pool year-round
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The whole hotel is a very cute, manicured “village”
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Easy to reach the Marne-la-Vallée Chessy train station to get to Paris or the airport
Things we don't like:
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Just one restaurant that isn’t open very much
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No elite benefits at Marriott Vacation Club properties
What’s Special About This Resort
Versailles is a major destination to the west of central Paris at a similar distance as Disneyland is to the east. While many like to make a day trip to the city to see the mega-château that makes it famous, some prefer the peace and luxury of this area – and the best choice by far for that is the Waldorf Astoria Versailles Trianon Palace.
It occupies a century-old palace on the outskirts of the gardens that make guests feel like royalty themselves. It’s a quick stroll over to the gardens, exhibits, and other attractions of the château, which you could literally spend days exploring. A fine dining restaurant by Gordon Ramsay serves dinner. The local train station to reach central Paris can be reached on foot in 15 minutes.
Things we like:
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Bordering the gardens of the Château de Versailles, making it quick and easy to reach
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Set in a historic palace building in a peaceful and quiet area
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Luxury hotel rooms and dining
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A short walk away from the trains to Paris
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Excellent spa, pool, and fitness experiences
Things we don't like:
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Not much to do at night in this hotel or in the area
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Expensive parking fees despite not being in a city and having plenty of space
A Brief History of Paris
The first settlers on the banks of the Seine in present-day Paris were a Celtic tribe called the Parisii in around 250 BC. It would be conquered by the Romans in 52 AD and was part of their empire until its fall, when Clovis I would become the king to unite the Frankish tribes, and make Paris his capital in 508.
Paris was one of the most important cities in Europe for commerce and religion in the Middle Ages and was the continent’s biggest. It was where Gothic-style architecture was born and hosted one of the first universities. Paris continued to grow as an intellectual, cultural, and technological hub over the centuries alongside plagues, wars, and occupations.
In the 1800s, Napoleon III partially rebuilt the city to be more modern, open, and beautiful, and saw the transition of France from monarchy to republic, becoming its first president. Toward the end of the century, the Paris International Exposition brought the construction of the iconic Eiffel Tower, as well as tourists from all over the world who took a liking to the city.
The World Wars damaged Paris a bit, but it remained strong in its position as an important European city for just about everything. Today, it’s the most visited on the continent and has a reputation for being romantic, cultured, and cosmopolitan.
Feel Like Getting Out of Your Paris Hotel?
Hopefully, you’ll be spending most of your time outside of your hotel in Paris – although we wouldn’t blame you for staying in after seeing some of the amazing places on this list. As mentioned in some of our reviews, walking is really the best way to see the city, as every street is unique and beautiful.
Paris is where you can find some of the world’s best-known, iconic tourist attractions, which are on most people’s hit lists. That’s mostly what we’ll quickly detail below. But note that there are countless lesser-known things to do all around Paris, some of which we covered in our hotel reviews. When you construct an itinerary with the right combination of these, your Paris trip is magic.
The Eiffel Tower
It’s easy to admire the symbolic structure of Paris from below. You can pick a spot on the Champ de Mars, which is the large green space to the south of the tower, or from the Trocadero Gardens just across the river. Our top tip is to also find a spot to watch it at night, when it sparkles every hour.
Various tickets can be purchased to ride the elevators up the tower as well. There’s one Michelin-star restaurant and one brasserie on the upper floors, as well as souvenir shops. Just a warning – being up there may not be appropriate for those afraid of heights.
The Louvre
The Louvre is even more massive than you can imagine. It displays more than 380,000 objects and 35,000 works of art. Some of the most popular include Napoleon’s apartment, the Mona Lisa, and Venus de Milo. You could spend a week in the Louvre and not see it all.
Plan a full day for this if there are a lot of exhibits you want to see. If you have time before or after, take a walk along the Seine and through the Tuileries Gardens. There are more of these manicured green spaces across the street in the Palais Royal, as well as on the other side of the Place Concorde on the Champs-Élysées.
Notre Dame Cathedral
The devastating fire of 2019 didn’t manage to destroy the majesty of Notre Dame, and it’s amazing to see what progress they’re making with restoring it. You can cross one of the bridges onto the Île de la Cité island to find this peaceful corner of central Paris and admire the 12th-century treasure from the outside for now.
Also on the island is the chapel of Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th-century church that doesn’t get as much attention but is certainly magnificent. The little park on the northern tip of the island, Square du Vert-Galant, is one of the most romantic places to admire the Seine and the city.
Champs-Élysées & the Arc de Triomphe
The Champs-Élysées is the most famous street in Paris, home to luxury shopping, fine dining, and great entertainment. Fans of French fashion can buy a Louis Vuitton straight from the Maison here. This is also where the Élysées Palace, the official residence of the president, is found.
At the northern end of the Champs-Élysées is the Arc de Triomphe, one of the other major symbols of Paris. The giant stone monument commemorates Napoleon’s victories in the center of a giant, hectic traffic circle. You can climb to the top for a great view.
Musée d’Orsay
There’s even more art in this massive museum on the Seine’s left bank, directly across the river from the Jardin de Tuileries that fronts the Louvre. In fact, they are the first and second most-visited art museums in France. The building is actually a former train station from the early 1900s.
This is the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces, mainly coming from France between the mid-1800s and early 1900s. Some of the major artists featured are Monet, Manet, Cézanne, Renoir, and Gaugin.
Seine Riverboat Tours
A great way to see much of the city without too much walking is to hop on one of the many boat tours along the river. These are easy to find and generally don’t require advance reservations. A popular departure point is on the quay right across from Tuileries.
Most cruises last 60 to 90 minutes and will, at the minimum, go up to the Eiffel Tower and down to Notre Dame. You can also find dinner cruises with live entertainment and a more formal atmosphere. If you want to go all out, you can even charter a small boat all for yourself.
Montmartre
The whole neighborhood of Montmartre is worth visiting. At the beginning of its streets, you’ll find the famed Moulin Rouge cabaret show, as well as many theaters, clubs, and other entertainment venues. Venturing further into its windy streets reveals picturesque scenes that attracted famous artists, such as Dalí and Picasso, to live here.
At the top of this hilly neighborhood is the dome-roofed Sacré Cœur (Sacred Heart) Basilica of Montmartre. The church, its surroundings, and the view from the top are subjects of some of the best photography in Paris, not to mention the peaceful atmosphere up there.
Les Invalides
Les Invalides is a massive complex on the left bank in between Orsay and the Eiffel Tower. It starts with the Esplanade des Invalides, a large lawn that’s popular for picnicking and relaxing among beautiful scenery.
The building beyond the esplanade is the Hôtel des Invalides, but it’s not a hotel. This beautiful palace-like structure hosts a series of military commemorations, including the Army Museum, the St. Louis des Invalides Cathedral, and the Museum of Relief Maps. In the center of the rear courtyard is the Tomb of Napoleon I, one of France’s biggest heroes.
Disneyland Paris
The magic is in Europe, too. However, note that the Disney parks are not quite in Paris. But they are close enough and reachable by train in about 40 minutes from central Paris, in the eastern town of Marne-la-Vallée.
There are two parks here: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. You can make it through both in a single day if you stay for the long haul, but Disney fanatics will probably be better off with a two-day ticket. If you plan to visit for more than a day, it may be worth it to just stay in this area for part of your trip – see our suggestions in the review of Marriott’s Village d’Ile de France.
Château and Gardens of Versailles
On the other side of the capital region is Versailles, another very magical place to visit outside of the busy city center. Versailles is the name of the whole town, which is also about 40 minutes from Paris by train, but most people mentioning it are referring to the breathtaking Château de Versailles and its Royal Gardens.
The palace is unbelievably massive, beautifully manicured, and trimmed with gold. You will never believe that it started off as a small hunting lodge for the French monarch in the 1600s. The only thing more impressive than the building is its gardens. Plan to spend all day, if not two days, to see the main attractions in Versailles.
How many days do you need in Paris?
The truth is, you could spend a month in Paris and still not see all the monuments, tour all the museums, and eat at all the fine restaurants. You could also spend a lovely 24 hours seeing your top priorities.
On average, people seem to be able to fit their favorite activities in four or five days in the capital. That’s a fair estimate, and it should leave time to hop to more of the amazing places around France before ending your trip.
What is the best area to stay in Paris?
It’s a huge city, but Paris is rather walkable, and its extensive network of metro lines and railways is dizzying. That’s good news for visitors, as it means you can still see everything no matter where you stay.
But to be as central as possible to the biggest things to do, stay near Vendôme or Concorde. That should put you within a fair walking distance of just about everything in the center of the city.
When is the best time of year to visit Paris?
Since Paris is not a beach destination, and very few of the things to do there are weather-dependent, you can really visit any time of the year.
July and August do get extremely hot and very busy with tourists, but it’s nice to see the city so alive and to dine outdoors (under shade). Winters are very cold and often rainy, but this is a trademark of the Parisian lifestyle, and the holiday decorations around the city are stunning.
Spring is an excellent time to visit, with moderate weather and blooming foliage that beautifies the city even more.
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